CCRC Turmoil Prevented by Calif. Governor’s Veto

Senior housing providers are breathing easier and expressing support for California Governor Jerry Brown, who recently vetoed a bill that would have increased regulations on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and impacted business models. Brown vetoed the bill on October 11.   The bill would have changed the way CCRCs repay entrance fees to residents […]

Entrance Fee Bills Jeopardize CCRC Balance Sheets

The clock is ticking on a bill sitting on Governor Edmund Gerald “Jerry” Brown’s desk with an Oct. 11 deadline, which would increase regulations for continuing care retirement community entrance fee repayments. Providers are warily watching what will happen in Sacramento, as many believe that legislative changes such as this one could upset standard business models […]

[Update] Post-Acute Providers Applaud Historic Medicare Payment Fix

Skilled nursing operators and other post-acute providers can look forward to more stable reimbursements in the future, thanks to the historic passage of a bill to change how Medicare sets payment rates. The Senate approved H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA,) late Tuesday in a 92-8 vote, and President Barack Obama […]

Long-Term Care Facilities Must Recognize Same-Sex Spousal Rights

Long-term care facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid may soon be required to recognize the rights of same-sex spouses regardless if their state has validated the marriage, according to a recently proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “These revisions would promote equality and ensure the recognition of the validity of same-sex […]

ALFA Names New CEO and President

The Assisted Living Federation of America, on the heels of a rebranding effort that will create the “New ALFA,” has named a new president and CEO.  Effective mid-January, the association will be led by new President and CEO James Balda, who has held many association management positions, including his role most recently as senior vice […]

Lawmakers Work for CCRCs and ACOs To Get Along

Proposed legislation is gaining traction on Capitol Hill that would allow states to create Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) for seniors in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) with existing Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Congressmen Joe Barton (R-Tex.) and Ralph Hall (R-Tex.) recently signed on as cosponsors of the proposed bill, HR 2376 or the Medicare Residential Care […]

Silverado Visitation Dispute Prompts Social Media Policy Talk

This summer, a dispute over social media posts began brewing at a Silverado Senior Living community in Sugar Land, Texas, and left some family members unable to visit their mother, a resident. A civil rights lawsuit filed in federal court in Houston on July 29 by children Mackey Glen Peterson, Don Leslie Peterson and Lonny […]

Maine Rallies for Totally New Approach to Senior Care

Maine seniors, along with affordable housing, home care, general contractors and other aging services stakeholders are rallying around a comprehensive package of proposals that aim to strengthen the state’s aging in place resources that go beyond traditional assisted living and nursing homes.  Mark Eves (D-North Berwick), speaker of Maine’s House of Representatives, last week unveiled […]